James Brown: How Sylvester Stallone Rescued the Soul Legend’s Career in the ’80s
The Rise and Fall
Renowned singer James Brown, known as the “Godfather of Soul,” experienced an exceptional run of hits from the 1960s to the 1970s, with classics like “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag”, “It’s a Man’s Man’s World”, “Super Bad”, and “The Payback”. However, the emergence of disco music in the mid-’70s dealt a severe blow to Brown’s recording career, leaving him struggling to adapt and revive his popularity.
Disco’s Borrowing of Brown’s Blueprint
In a new four-part A&E documentary, “James Brown: Say It Loud,” produced by Rolling Stone and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Mick Jagger reflects on the vibrant music scene of New York City during that time period. According to Jagger, disco and punk music were taking the city by storm, pushing many other artists to the sidelines and leaving the musical landscape completely transformed.
Part three of the documentary, which premieres tonight, explores Brown’s frustration as disco artists increasingly borrowed from his musical style. Brown himself claimed responsibility for the birth of disco, stating that it was essentially a vamp of a soul record.
James Brown Finds His Groove in Film
Despite struggling to create hit records in the early 1980s due to budget constraints and tax problems, Brown found a new avenue to express his talent: film. His appearance as a preacher in 1980’s “The Blues Brothers” garnered attention, and shortly thereafter, Sylvester Stallone asked Brown to record a song for “Rocky IV” in 1985.
Brown’s song, “Living in America,” became a massive success, rising to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning him his second Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1987. The song’s popularity propelled Brown back into the spotlight, both in terms of his music and his finances.
The Comeback
Brown’s success with “Living in America” marked a turning point in his career. It revitalized his popularity and significantly increased his income. The song, albeit ironically produced with a disco sound reminiscent of the Village People’s hits, allowed Brown to reclaim the dance sound that had been appropriated by countless other artists.
Questlove, in the documentary, highlights how Brown’s genius had been used and borrowed by numerous bands. However, “Living in America” served as a form of a payback, as Brown’s unique sound regained its prominence and influenced a new generation.
Despite enduring ups and downs throughout his career, James Brown’s talent and innovation remained undeniable. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes and find success across different mediums showcased his true virtuosity and enduring legacy.
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